to bring back / to return
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to return
To bring something back to the place you took it from, or to give it back to a person you received it from.
Ich muss die Bücher morgen in die Bibliothek zurückbringen.
I have to return the books to the library tomorrow.
'Zurückbringen' (to bring back/to return) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'zurück' goes at the end. In a subordinate clause or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Wann bringst du mir mein Buch zurück?
When will you bring my book back to me?
The verb is made up of the directional particle 'zurück' (back) and the verb 'bringen' (to bring). Its meaning can therefore be understood literally as 'to bring something back to its place of origin'.
Kannst du bitte die leere Tasse in die Küche zurückbringen?
Could you please bring the empty cup back to the kitchen?
The context makes clear whether a person or a thing is meant. If the object is a person, it means 'to accompany/bring back'. If the object is a thing, it means 'to return/give back'.
Mein Vater bringt mich nach dem Fest zurück.
My father will bring me back after the celebration.
This verb is often used in connection with borrowed or purchased things. Typical objects are: deposit bottles, a product, a borrowed tool, or clothing.
Wenn dir die Jacke nicht passt, kannst du sie einfach zurückbringen.
If the jacket doesn't fit you, you can simply return it.
to keep
'behalten' and 'zurückbringen' are opposites when you have borrowed or received something. 'behalten' means that you keep the thing with you and do not return it. 'zurückbringen' means that you bring the thing back to the place or person it came from. This contrast is especially important with borrowed things, such as books, tools, or clothing. If something is only borrowed, you should normally return it and not keep it.
Nach der Arbeit bringt Tom das geliehene Werkzeug zum Nachbarn zurück.
After work, Tom brings the borrowed tool back to his neighbor.
Kann ich das Buch noch eine Woche behalten?
Can I keep the book for another week?